8 things successful people never do in their free time

What we do in our free time says a lot about us. Successful people know that how they spend their downtime can either push them forward or hold them back.

It’s not just about working harder—it’s about making better choices. There are certain habits that can drain energy, waste time, or create unnecessary stress, and successful people avoid them.

Instead, they focus on activities that recharge them, keep them sharp, and set them up for success. If you want to make the most of your free time, here are eight things you should never do.

1) Waste time on meaningless distractions

Successful people understand that free time is valuable. That doesn’t mean they never relax—it just means they don’t waste hours on things that add no real value to their lives.

Mindlessly scrolling through social media, binge-watching TV shows they don’t even enjoy, or getting lost in pointless internet rabbit holes—these are all ways time slips away without anything to show for it.

That doesn’t mean they never watch TV or check social media. But they do it with intention. They set limits, choose content that inspires or educates them, and make sure their free time actually helps them recharge instead of leaving them drained.

2) Let negative people drain their energy

I used to spend way too much of my free time dealing with negative people. Whether it was a friend who always complained but never took action or someone who constantly brought drama into my life, I felt obligated to listen and be there for them.

But over time, I realized how draining it was. Instead of feeling recharged after hanging out, I felt exhausted. My mind was filled with negativity that wasn’t even mine.

Successful people know that their energy is precious. They don’t waste it on people who only bring them down. Instead, they set boundaries and choose to spend time with those who uplift, inspire, and challenge them in a positive way. And once I made that shift, I noticed a huge difference in both my mood and productivity.

3) Ignore their physical health

Successful people know that how they treat their bodies directly affects their performance. That’s why they don’t spend their free time neglecting their health, skipping meals, or avoiding exercise.

Physical activity isn’t just good for the body—it sharpens the mind. Even a short walk can boost creativity and problem-solving skills by up to 60%. That’s why many highly successful people make movement a daily habit, even in their downtime.

They also pay attention to rest and recovery. Instead of staying up late scrolling on their phones, they prioritize good sleep, knowing that a well-rested mind makes better decisions and stays more focused throughout the day.

4) Dwell on the past or worry about the future

Buddhism teaches the importance of living in the present moment. Yet, many people spend their free time replaying past mistakes or stressing about things that haven’t even happened. Successful people avoid this trap because they know it only leads to unnecessary suffering.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore how Buddhist principles can help us let go of regrets and anxieties, allowing us to focus on what truly matters. When we stop clinging to the past or fearing the future, we create space for clarity, purpose, and peace.

Instead of wasting time worrying, successful people practice mindfulness. They engage fully in their present activities, whether that’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, or simply enjoying a quiet moment. By doing so, they make the most of every second.

5) Say yes to everything

There was a time when it felt impossible to say no. Every request, every invitation, every favor—I said yes, even when I didn’t want to. I thought being available to everyone all the time was the right thing to do. But all it did was leave me exhausted, stretched too thin, and frustrated at myself for not setting boundaries.

Successful people understand that time is their most valuable resource. They don’t fill their free time with obligations that don’t align with their priorities. Instead, they protect their energy by choosing where to invest their attention.

Saying no doesn’t mean being unkind or selfish—it means respecting your own limits. And once you start doing it, you realize that the people who truly value you will understand.

6) Always try to be productive

It might seem like successful people are always working, always hustling, always trying to get ahead. But the truth is, they don’t spend all their free time trying to be productive. In fact, they understand that constantly pushing themselves can actually backfire.

Rest isn’t a waste of time—it’s a necessity. Research shows that the brain needs downtime to process information, spark creativity, and prevent burnout. That’s why some of the most successful people intentionally step away from work, allowing themselves to relax, daydream, or do something completely unrelated to their goals.

Instead of feeling guilty for “doing nothing,” they embrace it as part of the process. Because sometimes, the best ideas and breakthroughs happen when you’re not actively looking for them.

7) Compare themselves to others

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, especially with social media making it seem like everyone else is more successful, happier, or further ahead. But successful people don’t waste their free time measuring their lives against someone else’s highlight reel.

They understand that comparison is a losing game. There will always be someone who appears to be doing better, but chasing after someone else’s path only leads to frustration. Instead, they focus on their own growth—measuring progress against who they were yesterday, not against someone else.

Rather than scrolling and feeling inadequate, they use their free time to reflect, set personal goals, and appreciate how far they’ve come. Because real success isn’t about being better than others—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.

8) Neglect their relationships

No matter how busy or ambitious they are, successful people never let their free time pass without nurturing the relationships that matter most. They know that success means nothing if they have no one to share it with.

They make time for family, friends, and the people who support them. They listen, show up, and invest in meaningful connections. Because at the end of the day, careers, achievements, and material success will come and go—but the people we love are what truly make life fulfilling.

Bottom line: Time is a reflection of priorities

How we spend our free time isn’t just about relaxation—it’s a reflection of what truly matters to us. Every choice, big or small, shapes the path we’re on. Successful people understand this, which is why they’re intentional with their downtime.

They don’t waste energy on things that drain them. They don’t let distractions dictate their lives. Instead, they focus on what adds value, deepens connections, and keeps them moving forward.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore how mindfulness and intentionality can transform not just your free time, but your entire approach to life. Because when you become aware of where your time goes, you gain the power to shape your future.

At the end of the day, success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about what you prioritize. And the way you spend your free moments might just be the clearest sign of where you’re headed.